‘Her Brothers’ Fort McMurray benefit concert a huge success

On Saturday, May 21, Aldergrove band Her Brothers and friends performed to a full house at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley to raise support for those rebuilding their lives in Fort McMurray.

More than $15,000 was raised at the event.

Made up of brothers Gabe, Josh, and Levi Penner, and inspired by their little sister Tiana to be a positive voice challenging men to change the way the view and treat women, the Her Brothers band has been taking their message and music throughout B.C. and Alberta schools since speaking at We Day Vancouver in October 2015.

Having recently returned from a concert tour in Northern Alberta where the band experienced the generous and hospitable culture of the north, there was an immediate connection and desire to help those affected by the fires.

Her Brothers, along with special guests, soulful singer Crystal Hicks, and violinist Alexander Knopp, led the crowd in an energetic, highly interactive, and emotionally engaging evening.

One of the many highlights of the evening was when lead singer Gabe Penner brought six year old Langley resident Mila Tasse on stage to join him in singing, “I choose love over hate, what I’m for than against…”

With the support of many generous individuals, local businesses, and service organizations, the event was a home-run. Along with the matching funds provided by the federal government, the concert raised over $14,000 for the Red Cross.

At the same time, in addition to the funds raise for the Red Cross, fans then called on the band to make an appeal for additional donations to go toward the smaller organizations on the ground in Fort McMurray who help with the rebuild efforts once the Red Cross has completed their work.

The band responded by taking a collection and the audience generously gave another $1,500, bringing the total funds raised to $15,500 of which 100 per cent will go toward the relief efforts in Fort McMurray.

Support for the fundraiser came from a variety of businesses and organizations. Corporate donors included Envision Financial, Save-On-Foods, The Keg, Milsean, The Passionate Home, Wild West Gardens, Jordan Rawcliffe Productions, 3 Guardians Photography, and more.